Fire Restrictions in South Central Montana

Carbon County will rescind all fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 18. Stage 1 restrictions continue on all private, state, and federal lands in Big Horn, Musselshell, Stillwater, Sweet Grass and Treasure counties. Yellowstone County and Beartooth Ranger District of the Custer National Forest have already rescinded all fire restrictions.

Under Stage 1, campfires are generally prohibited and smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Camp stoves fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are exempted from the restriction. Campfires may be allowed in certain developed areas. Check locally for more information.

Some counties may require a permit for agricultural burning. Contact your local fire department or sheriff’s office for more information and to obtain any necessary permits.

Hunters and other recreationists are reminded to remain cautious.

“It’s still very dry and it wouldn’t take much to start a fire,” said Bob Gibson of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “Keep your vehicle on the road and away from tall grass.”

Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence will be held accountable for damage and suppression costs.

In burned areas, also be aware of loose soils and the potential for fire-weakened trees to fall.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.